London is getting ready for the Summer Olympic Games of 2012. But there is no reason to wait for the games, before visiting the capital of Great Britain. The city has interesting sights, great shopping, superb nightlife; and actually also very good food.
The newest (and one of the most interesting) sight is the London Eye. The 135 meter (443 feet) high Ferris wheel can be found between Waterloo and Westminster Bridge. It was originally opened for the millennium new year by Tony Blair. But because of technical problems, the public couldnt use it before March 2000.
The wheel has 32 cabins with room for 25 persons. One rotation takes about half an hour; and it is a very popular attraction. So you can expect queue in the high season; but is worth waiting. From the top there is a great view of the central London including Big Ben and the House of Parliament.
A much older sight is the Tower of London. Its history is 900 years old and very bloody. When the prisoners walked through the Traitors Gate, they shouldnt expect to get out alive. Most of them were killed by torture or rats; or just executed.
Today there are no rats, torture or executions. And the place is more popular to visit. At exactly 9.52 the Ceremony of the Keys takes place. Here the keys of the fortress are handed over from the head of the guards to the head of the night watchmen.
On a tour in the Tower of London, you can see both the royal apartment as well as the dungeons. But the most fascinating is the Jewel House where the British crown jewels can be seen; including the worlds largest diamond Star of Africa, which is placed in the scepter of the sovereign.
Other must see sights are St. Pauls Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the 106 meter (348 feet) high Big Ben. For a relaxing stroll visit the centrally placed Hyde Park. And if you are interested in art, you should visit British Museum.
The sights are great in London, but the most interesting thing to do is people watching. In London you find both from businessmen with bowler hats and stiff upper lips and punkers with cock’s combs and noses full of safety pins.
Do you think it is impossible to find great food in London? Well, it is not; and you do not have to eat fish and chips. Both Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver have restaurants in London, so you can find superb food. But it does not have to be expensive. London is a melting pot of multi-ethnic populations, so it is also possible to find cheap and exotic food in many of the international restaurants in the city.
You can also find great shopping in London. A good place to start is the Harrods; the famous department which brags about their ability to provide everything you can think about. In Designers Guild you can find wallpaper and fabric for you home and in Muji, you can buy minimalistic, Japanese design. If you bring kid, they will love you for taking them to the toyshop Hamleys of Regent Street; six story paradise for children.